DO YOU EVER NEED A REMINDER?

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY OF REMIND

PRESENTATION BY KRISTINA CRIMM

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

WHAT IS REMIND?

Remind (formerly known as Remind

101) is an innovative technology tool

used to create a communication

platform in your classroom. It works

by sending a text message to parents

and students to notify or remind

them of upcoming classroom, school

and community events. Click on the

video or link to find out more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUkhoTrUhkU

HOW DOES REMIND SUPPORT THE MABLETON ELEMENTARY MISSION AND

VISION FOR TECHNOLOGY?

Remind would be very supportive of our school mission and vision, since the Mableton staff already incorporates a plan for implementing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) strategies into our student’s daily curriculum.

THE MABLETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS . . .

Mableton Mission: “Provide engaging opportunities through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for students to apply their learning and problem solve collaboratively in an enriched and challenging environment” (Jones, 2014) Mableton Vision:  ”Fostering the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of the global society through innovation, collaboration, and creative problem solving” (Jones, 2014)

WHO CAN USE REMIND?

Remind was designed to be a tool where teachers can send direct communication to parents and students who have access to technology, such as a texting device or an email account – a smartphone is not necessary. All users need to do is subscribe to a special code that the classroom teacher distributes. The teacher can create a Remind account or download the Remind app.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?

Not too much! Just a cell phone with texting capabilities or an email account. Teachers can create and then send messages via the Remind website or amobile device by logging into a specially created account at www.remind.com.

One neat feature is that a user can create a message and then have it set up to be delivered at a preprogrammed date and time in the future.

WHAT TECHNICAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR USERS?

The Remind website at http://www.remind.com/ has helpful information and a section with frequently asked questions for users. If you don’t see the answer to your question, youcan simply email the staff and they will respond to you. Also, a blog and teacher resource area is located on the site that can keep educators up to date on the latest in educational trends and technology tools.

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY OR ETHICAL LIMITATIONS TO USING THIS TYPE OF

TECHNOLOGY TOOL?

Remind is not only an effective, but very safe communication tool. That means that a teacher can text a parent or student, without giving out a private cell phone number – personalinformation is never shared between teachers, parents and students.

ALSO . . .

All messages are permanently stored and can be retrieved at a later time if needed for documentation, auditing or legal purposes.

WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED WITH REMIND?

Remind and the Remind app are FREE technology services. However, parents need to be informed that standard messaging rates do apply and a fee may be charged totheir phone bill if they do not have unlimited text messaging.

HOW CAN REMIND HELP TEACHERS TO MEET CONTENT AND TECHNOLOGY

STANDARDS?

Remind is a great communication tool that can benefit teachers, students, parents and all stakeholders. It provides timely remindersto keep all involved and informed about upcoming tests, homework assignments, classroom and school events. Also, a teacher can send “ticket in the door” questions that students must prepare to answer when they arrive at school the next morning or inspirational messages to help make a personal connection with students.

AND FOR OLDER STUDENTS . . .

Middle and High School students can also set up their own accounts where they can send out messages to small groups or specific class members as a way to communicate about approaching test dates,meeting places to work on group projects or upcoming school events.

HOW DOES REMIND SUPPORT SPECIFIC LEARNING GOALS?

HOW DOES REMIND SUPPORT SPECIFIC LEARNING GOALS?

Remind is innovative.

HOW DOES REMIND SUPPORT SPECIFIC LEARNING GOALS?

Remind is a beneficial learning tool.

HOW DOES REMIND SUPPORT SPECIFIC LEARNING GOALS?

Remind aids learners in the development of organizational abilities as they prepare for daily tasks, long-term assignments and performance based activities and projects.

HOW DOES REMIND SUPPORT SPECIFIC LEARNING GOALS?

Remind helps students to learn self-management skills.

HOW DOES REMIND SUPPORT SPECIFIC LEARNING GOALS?

Remind enables teachers to set milestones for students as they

advance to a goal.

HOW CAN THIS TYPE OF TECHNOLOGYDIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION THAT

COULD MEET THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS?

Teachers are able to send out whole class messages or they can customize messages to go to small groups. This type of group messaging would allow for the teacher to differentiate the messages that pertain to instruction so thatthe needs of all learners are being consistently and continuously met. This would make information more tailored to specific student needs.

OTHER HELPFUL FEATURES . . .

Remind has an attachment feature where photos, notes, flyers, graphic organizers and other resources can be attached and sent with the message. A recently addedfeature is the capability to insert links to websites into your message. This provides additional support for students that need more assistance with concept, organizational and time management skills.

HOW DOES REMIND PROMOTE COMMUNICATION LOCALLY AND

GLOBALLY WITH STUDENTS, PEERS AND THE LARGER COMMUNITY?

According to recent research, “every 26 seconds a student in the United States drops out of school. Studies show communicating with students outside of school increases homework turn in rates and classroom participation by up to 50 percent and that parent involvement is also a crucial element to student’s success. Remind addresses both of these factors through its messaging service” (KPCB, 2014).

MORE INTERESTING DATA . . .

“Since 91 percent of adults and 78 percent of teens (aged 12-17) have a mobile phone, text messaging is the quickest and most efficient way to reach students/parents” (KPCB, 2014). Remind is an empowering tool for enhancing communication skills and by keeping the lines of communication open, we are making unique and vital connections with our students and their families.

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Remind students to study for a test”

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Send parents a field trip permission slip as a pdf file”

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Send students a link to a homework video”

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Remind students to have a good breakfast before testing”

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Announce dates and times for performances”

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Let specific students know they still have a missing assignment”

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Announce schedule changes”

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Share safety information during school emergencies”

                         

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

“Send out practice reminders for sports and extra curricular activities”

                         

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS OF REMINDERS THAT TEACHERS CAN SEND?

                          “the possibilities are endless....”

(EdTechyness, 2014)

WHAT RESEARCH IS AVAILABLE TO SHOW THE EFFECTIVENESS OF REMIND IN THE

SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT?

“Studies have shown that frequent teacher-family communication dramatically increases student engagement. A team of researchers from the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that teacher-family communication increased the odds of students completing their homework by 40%, decreased instances where teachers had to redirect students attention to a task by 25%, and increased class participation by 15%” (VentureBeat, 2014).

JUST THINK . . .

Remind could be that important link to creating stronger teacher-parent-student relationships and, therefore, lead to developing our students into successful college and career ready individuals.

WHAT ARE OUR NEXT STEPS?Remind is FREE, easy to use and parents, teachers and students love it!

It is the best communication tool to inform and involve students, parentsand community about the curriculum, homework, and projects and to keep them in the know about classroom and school events. We will all be able to stay on the same page and that is important as we are all workingtoward the same goal of developing lifelong and engaged learners.

So, lets’ get started!

PLAN FOR SCHOOL-WIDEIMPLEMENTATION

• At Open House, teachers will inform parents about a new communication tool we will be using this year called Remind.

• Teachers will distribute to parents the “Frequently Asked Questions About Remind” document that includes information about this tool and a permission slip.

• Parents will be able to sign up at Open House via a number that the teacher distributes.

• Parents will then be prepared to receive the latest and greatest updates and information from their child’s teacher!

TEACHER TESTIMONIALS

Listen to these teachers rave about Remind! Click on the video or link . . .

Jessica Deon, a 5th grade teacher at Rosepine Elementary School in Rosepine, Louisiana, says,“Keeping parents up to date on class activities and schedules has transformed my classroom. Last fall when Louisiana released our VAM scores, I scored in the 97th percentile and I creditmuch of that score to Remind101. This is the third school year that I have used Remind101 and I am still getting messages from students and parents from my first year singingRemind101’s praises” (KPCB, 2014).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_AaAdR-dos

MY REFLECTIONS

Remind is a resource that can have school-wide impact. “Students are more informed, parents are more involved” (KPCB, 2014).Communicating through the use of technology is a 21st century concept. Research has shown that developing a relationship that includes frequent teacher-parent-student contact is a crucial element in promoting student engagement. This tool will help us provide another avenue to ensure that we are helping students stay on track to master grade-level standards, while receiving extra support and resources as needed, along with important class and school information. With the majority of individuals having accessto technology, this is a tool that can help our school to meet the diverse communication needs of all students and their family members.

REFERENCES

EdTechyness. (n.d.). : Ramp up communication with parents and students using Remind 101. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from http://edtechyness.blogspot.com/2014/05/ramp-up-communication-with-parents-and.html

Jones, D. (n.d.). . Retrieved July 8, 2014, from http://danajones0.wix.com/stem#!stem-strategic-plan/c6ku

Remind | Remind101 is now Remind. (n.d.). Remind (formerly Remind101). Retrieved July 8, 2014, from http://www.remind.com/

Remind101 Raises $15 Million To Help Teachers, Parents And Students Communicate; KPCB Partner John Doerr Joins Board. (n.d.). — Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from https://www.kpcb.com/news/remind101-raises-15-million-to-help-teachers-parents-and-students-communicate-kpc

Safe. Simple. Free. That's Remind101.. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUkhoTrUhkU

Teacher Testimonials at ISTE 2013. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_AaAdR-dos

Tomaszewski, J. (2013, January 1). Tech in the Classroom: Remind101. Education World:. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech-in-the-classroom/remind-101.shtml

15% of U.S. teachers now use Remind101 to text students and their parents. (n.d.). VentureBeat. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from http://venturebeat.com/2014/02/04/15-of-u-s-teachers-now-use-remind101-to-text-students-and-their-parents

Walsh, K. (2014, June 15). Remind101 – A Free Tool for Text Messaging Students and Parents. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/06/remind101-a-free-tool-for-text-messaging-students